Real Men Do Cry: The Kabbalah of Masculine Energy
There’s a pervasive stereotype suggesting that “Real Men Don’t Cry.” It paints a picture of men as stoic figures, impervious to emotions, and implies that expressing vulnerability is somehow weak. This perspective, frankly demeaning to both men and women, raises some fundamental questions: Where did this myth originate? Is there truly something inherently wrong with vulnerability, with allowing ourselves to feel and express emotions authentically? Why does our culture often equate toughness and machismo with the highest standard of masculinity?
The truth is, this societal construct of masculinity is far from the complete picture. We are complex beings, both men and women, each uniquely woven with threads of strength and sensitivity. To deny either aspect is to deny a fundamental part of our human essence.
Rethinking Masculinity: Embracing Vulnerability and Strength
Our culture has, for generations, perpetuated certain standards and expectations regarding gender roles. These ingrained notions, often passed down through families, education, and societal norms, shape our perceptions of what it means to be a man or a woman. We inherit these beliefs, sometimes unconsciously, and they color our self-perception and interactions with others.
Adding to this complexity is the historical reality of gender power dynamics. Men, often holding positions of authority, have, at times, misused this power, creating a backlash that further muddies the waters. While progress has been made, the remnants of these imbalances linger, influencing how we perceive ourselves and each other.
Unpacking the Archetypes: A Journey Back to Genesis
To understand the true essence of masculinity, we must journey back to our roots. The story of creation in Genesis presents a profound insight: “male and female He created them.” It describes a single, androgynous being, reflecting the Divine Image, subsequently separated into two distinct yet complementary forces: masculine and feminine.
Kabbalistic teachings, drawing upon these verses, explain these energies as two forms of Divine light. One is expressive, outwardly focused, engaging with the world through action and creation. This energy drives us to build, to provide, to protect. It’s the force that propels us to go out and “conquer” the world – not in a domineering sense but in the sense of actively shaping and interacting with our surroundings.
The other energy is inward-focused, characterized by intimacy, reflection, and introspection. It’s the energy of nurturing, of cultivating inner peace and fostering emotional connection. This energy, often associated with femininity, is equally essential for both men and women to develop.
These archetypes are not meant to confine us to rigid boxes. Every individual possesses both masculine and feminine energies within them. However, recognizing these distinct expressions allows us to understand the unique roles they play in our lives.
The man, traditionally tasked with providing and protecting, embodies this expressive energy. He ventures out into the world, confronting challenges and harnessing resources to create a stable foundation for himself and his family.
The woman, often seen as the nurturer, embodies the receptive, intimate energy. She cultivates a warm and loving home environment, fostering emotional growth and providing a safe haven.
However, these roles, when misinterpreted or taken to extremes, can lead to imbalance. Masculine energy, fixated solely on external achievement and material success, can morph into an unhealthy drive for dominance and control.
Reclaiming Our True Masculine Identity: Strength in Vulnerability
The stereotype of the unemotional, unyielding man is a distortion of true masculinity. It stems from a misunderstanding of strength. True strength lies not in suppressing emotions but in harnessing them, in allowing ourselves to be vulnerable, to cry when we feel pain or sorrow.
This doesn’t equate to weakness. It signifies courage – the courage to be authentic, to show our true selves without the need for pretense or bravado.
Imagine a world where men are encouraged to embrace their full emotional spectrum, where they can express tenderness, compassion, and vulnerability alongside their strength and determination. This shift would transform not only individual lives but also our families, communities, and society as a whole.
Real men, like all human beings, experience a range of emotions. To deny these feelings is to deny a fundamental aspect of our shared humanity. It’s time to redefine what it means to be a man – to embrace both strength and vulnerability, to recognize that true power lies in authenticity and emotional courage.
This is not about abandoning our drive or ambition. It’s about channeling our masculine energy toward a higher purpose – to create a world where compassion and empathy are valued alongside achievement and success. A world where men can cry without shame, love without reservation, and lead with both strength and sensitivity.
This is the true essence of masculine energy – a force capable of transforming not only our own lives but also the world around us.
This has been Rabbi Simon Jacobson. You can find more inspiring content at meaningfullife.com and on our YouTube channel. Please subscribe and share these teachings. Let’s continue this journey of growth and transformation together.
Watch the full video on YouTube
This program is brought to you by the Meaningful Life Center. Please support our work with a donation at meaningfullife.com/donate. Thank you.
